London to consider World Expo 2025 bid

London Mayor Boris Johnson is keen to back a bid from the capital to host the World Expo in 2025.

The Mayor wants the city to build on the success of the 2012 Olympics, and has revealed that dialogue has already begun with promotional agency London and Partners to develop this idea in consultation with national government.

Every five years, World Expos attract millions of visitors who explore and discover pavilions, exhibitions and cultural events staged by hundreds of participants including nations, international organisations and businesses.

World Expos are a key meeting point for the global community to share innovations and make progress on issues of international importance such as the global economy, sustainable development and improved quality of life for the world’s population.

The 2015 Expo will be held in Milan while Dubai has been chosen to host the World Expo trade convention in 2020 - beating off rival bids from Brazil, Turkey and Russia.

Boris Johnson commented: “On the back of the tremendous success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, London has established itself as a world leader in hosting major cultural and sporting events. Combine that with our reputation as powerhouse of industry, science, technology and education, and I believe it makes sense to consider bidding for the World Expo in 2025.”

“As with the Olympics, London has a long and enviable tradition of hosting world fairs, starting of course with the Great Exhibition of 1851, an exhibition that brought an unparalleled legacy to the city - the Albertopolis cluster of national museums in South Kensington, that are today the envy of the world.

“A London bid for Expo 2025 would need to prove the same scale of ambition in regenerating a part of London, as well as a strong business case for promoting the UK on a global stage.

“We have initiated conversations with London and Partners and intend to develop this idea in consultation with national government. Over the coming months we will test the idea with a range of stakeholders, including industry and the cultural and higher education sectors.”